BIOS Problem

I have an older PC that I had stored for 2 years. It was was working great before I stored it. I pulled the old boy out to use as a second computer on my network. When I turn it on I hear several beeps when it starts up, but there is no video. My vidieo card is part of the motherboard. I have no clue what is going on since the PC was working fine when I stored it. I know it is not my monitor, because it is the same monitor I am currently using with my newer PC. Could the CMOS Battery be causing this problem? I believe I could have lost my BIOS data. I did at one time see something on the screen telling me something had failed or had been reset, but I only saw it briefly before it went off the screen and I having seen it since. This computer is several years old. I guess it would be ok for me to pull the CMOS battery and check it. Any suggestions on this problem?

Thanks for the help.

 

I would start with the CMOS battery and replace it.
It is probably a 2032 lithium battery and should have a voltage output of 3.0 volts DC
They can be gotten at Walmart, most drug store chains or Radio Shack.
You will have to reset your bios settings after replacing the battery.
After sitting idle for 2 years, I would remove the CPU, RAM and plug them back in.
Also, you should unplug your IDE and floppy cables and plug them back in on both ends.
Corrosion can set up between the pins and their sockets with time.

The beeps you hear usually signal where the problem(s) lie.
Consult your manual on the motherboard you have.

Hope this helps

Daddad

 

Ok. I removed the battery and replaced it. While the battery was removed I started the PC again. This time it come on. However, I do have a corrupted BIOS setting. How can It be reset.

 

You might try resetting everything to default.
Then make changes where you deem necessary.
During the initial post period, your bios should indicate which key to depress to gain entry to your bios settings.
Usually, the Del key will do it, F1 also on some boards.
Consult your motherboard manual for what the manufacturer considers default.
Also, make sure the date and time are set correct.
A properly operating machine will emit a single beep during the post period, not multiple beeps.
Multiple beeps indicate a problem somewhere.

Daddad

 

Thanks for the help. I guess I got lucky. Everything is back to normal for now. I'm not getting any errors when I start- up. I will keep my fingers crossed. Again, thanks for your time.

Bob

 

Great Bob, I'm glad to hear that